Muni meters are a pain to get used to, but they are a gigantic blessing in disguise. You now have proof that your parking was paid for if you get one of those suspicious parking tickets in the mail and never had one on your windshield.

I received one such ticket, and I save ALL of my muni receipts. My receipt said I paid at 2:37 pm. The ticket was issued at 2:43. I sent a copy of the receipt to Albany with my not guilty plea. I got back a "reduced" summons. Bull.

I went to court and lo and behold the computer (I also saved the original summons) said the ticket was issued at 2:27 pm. Hmmmmm. I showed the judge the original mail summons and asked how that could possibly have happened. I love seeing egg on a judge's face. He dismissed the ticket, but insisted I give him all of my proof (which is OK, 'cause I make copies of everything). Just another bogus fund raiser, if you ask me. So, SAVE ALL OF YOUR RECEIPTS! They may save you right back.